Tendontis (Tendinitis) is an inflammation of the Tendons (tough cords of tissue that connect muscle to Bone) caused by overuse, injury, or related rheumatic conditions or inflammation of one or more Tendons, oftenly/usually linked to an injury due to repetitive movement.
• Tendons are made up of fibres covered by a Sheath with functions of attaching muscles to Bones and gives joints such a wide range of movement.
• Tendinitis sometimes becomes chronic, at which point there is a risk of Calcium deposits and bony growths forming.
Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
1) Osteoarthritis
2) Rheumatoid Arthritis
3) Fibromyalgia
4) Lupus
5) Ankylosing Spondylitis
6) Gout
7) Psoriatic Arthritis
8) Bursitis
9) Tendinitis
Types of Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the bone joints, badly impacting wrists, toes, knees joints. If not treated timely may damage to eyes, lungs, heart, and other body parts. rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly affects those aged between 40 and 50 years old and is three times more prevalent in women than men.
• Gout – gout is a metabolic disease marked by a sharp painful inflammation of the joints, caused by crystallized deposits of uric acid (or the accumulation of very small uric acid crystals) in the connective tissue, larger joint spaces (ankles, elbows, hips, wrist), or both producing intense pain, and an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood.
• Juvenile Arthritis – Juvenile arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints lining in youngsters (small joint of the hands and feet), characterized by non-specific, usually symmetric inflammation of the peripheral joints and other connective tissue, potentially resulting in progressive destruction of articular and peri-articular structures, inflammation, pain, functional disability, stiffness, swelling, joint deformation, and loss of joint function.
• Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is a chronic form of Arthritis where the cartilage of the joints is damaged and the bone surfaces become rough and enlarged, then begins slowly and with some pain involve any joint (but mainly occurs in large joints such as fingers), generally occurs in women after menopause (but may occur in young age also).
In general, there is the acute form which is of short duration and includes the infectious type caused by gonorrhea, an infected tooth or acute rheumatic fever.
1) Rheumatic Fever
• It’s caused by a germ (alfa streptococcus viridans) which is found in the throats of some patients whose only complaint may be a sore throat. Rheumatic fever comes about 3 weeks after recovery from a sore throat where the patient may complain of tender joints and fever.
• It affects mainly those between the ages 10-30 but it sometimes affects those up to the age of 40.
• Young people should always be on alert for rheumatic fever but it’s not the only cause of joint-pain in youth, but is by far the most dangerous.
• The dangerous part of this disease is its effect on the-heart which may be so damaged as to render the individual an invalid in life. It attacks the valves of the-heart and causes them to leak. Following this, the-heart enlarges and the larger it gets the more disabled the patient becomes.
2) Chronic Articular Rheumatism
• It is the most common type of arthritis that manifest by pain on one or two joints without fever or any other symptom.
• Moist heat applied as a hot soak or as a hot towel give relief.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen are the most widely used drugs as Conventional Arthritis Medications.
Minor Side Effects of NSAIDS
• Gastrointestinal (Heartburn, Indigestion / Dyspepsia, Diarrhea, Constipation, abdominal pain, Nausea, stomatitis, decreased appetite, Vomiting)
• Central Nervous System (Headaches, Insomnia, Dizziness, drowsiness, Tinnitus, confusion, unusual weakness)
• Visual (Loss of visual acuity, blurred or double vision)
• Skin (Itching, rash, photosensitivity reactions, eruptions, Hives)
• Cardiovascular (Edema (Dropsy), Palpitations, rapid heartbeat)
• Genitourinary (Burning or painful urination, vaginal bleeding, blood in urine, Cystitis)
Serious Side Effects of NSAIDS
• Gastrointestinal (Gastric and/or duodenal ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding [advanced age is a risk factor])
• Cardiovascular (Angina, cardiac Arrhythmias, exacerbation of congestive Heart Failure)
• Kidney (Interstitial nephritis, acute renal failure, hyperKalemia [high serum Potassium])
• Skin (Exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, other unusual Skin problems)
• Blood (Anemia, leukopenia)
Risk Factors for Ulceration with NSAIDS
• Advanced age
• History of Peptic Ulcer disease or cardiovascular disease
• High-dose NSAID use
• Long duration of NSAID use
• Heavy Smoking or drinking
• Kidney or Liver failure
• Certain drugs use (such as Coumadin and prednisone)
Components of a Holistic Treatment Program for Arthritis
• Well-balanced Diet
• Glucosamine Sulfate (a nutritional supplement that may enhance the reconstruction and healing of cartilage. Glucosamine is an amino sugar, a molecule composed of an Amino Acids and a simple sugar)
• Heat therapy (involve treatment with paraffin wax, microwaves, ultrasound, or moist heat to increase blood flow, pain tolerance, and flexibility)
• Cold therapy (involve cold packs, ice massage, soaking in cold Water, or the use of over-the-counter sprays or ointments that cool the Skin and joints, numbs the nerves around the joint, reducing pain, relieving inflammation, and easing muscle spasms)
• Weight Reduction (Excess weight puts extra Stress on joints)
• Hydrotherapy (exercising or relaxing in warm Water, which helps relax tense muscles and relieve pain)
• Mobilization Therapy (traction [gentle, steady pulling], massage, and manipulation [using the hands to restore normal movement to stiff joints])
• Relaxation Therapy (progressive relaxation and tightening of one muscle group at a time, then slowly releases the tension)
• Exercise (lessens Joint Pain and Stiffness, and increases flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance)
Types of Exercises Best for People with Arthritis
• Range-of-motion exercises (help maintain normal joint movement, relieve Stiffness, and help maintain or increase flexibility).
• Strengthening exercises (help maintain or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles support and protect arthritic joints).
• Aerobic or endurance exercises (improve cardiovascular fitness and help control weight).
Causes of Tendinitis (Tendontis)
• Over-use, under-training, or poor technique in sports
• Repetitive movement in some jobs, such as typing
• Falling
• Lifting or carrying heavy objects
• Extreme or repeated injury
Risk Factors for Tendinitis (Tendontis)
• Acidity and acidic foods tend to bind with alkaline substances (like Calcium and Magnesium) in the body, at which point they are removed/dissolved to prevent tissue irritation.
• A diet that fosters the accumulation of uric acid includes large quantities of caffeine, meat, processed foods (white flour, white sugar, artificial colours and additives), animal fat, Dairy products, eggs, Citrus Fruits, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Peppers, Alcohol, soft drinks and salt.
• Stress can also contribute to body acidification.
• Overweight (increases pressure on Tendons, ligaments, and Bones)
• Inflammatory conditions (such as Reiter syndrome or Ankylosing Spondylitis)
• Autoimmune disorders (such as type I Diabetes)
• Certain Infections
Signs and Symptoms of Tendinitis (Tendontis)
Touching an inflamed Tendon usually causes pain ranging from mild to severe depending on the severity of the injury (complete recovery can take several months).
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Pain that gets worse when you move the affected limb
• Warmth and redness
• Crepitus (a crackling sound)
Home Remedies for The Treatment of Tendinitis (Tendontis)
To treat Tendinitis at home, remember the acronym RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation).
• Rest – Rest is essential to tissue healing, so avoid activities that increase the pain or swelling.
• Ice – To decrease pain, muscle spasm and swelling, apply ice to the injured area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. Ice packs, ice massage or slush baths with ice and water all can help. For an ice massage, freeze a plastic foam cup full of water so that you can hold the cup while applying the ice directly to the Skin.
• Compression – Compress the area until the swelling has ceased, because swelling can result in loss of motion in an injured joint. Wraps or compressive elastic bandages are best.
• Elevation – Raise the affected leg above the level of The Heart to reduce swelling, if Tendinitis affects the knee.
• Orthotics – Its heel lifts and shoe correction for Achilles Tendinitis.
• Elbow strap and small weights(2 lb.) for tennis elbow.
• Contrast Hydrotherapy (or alternating hot and cold applications) – After the First 24-48 hours, soak affected part for 3 minutes in hot water, then 30 seconds in cold water.
• Castor Oil Pack – Apply oil to a clean, soft cloth, cover in plastic wrap, and apply to the affected area. Place a heat source over the pack, and let sit for 30-60 minutes.
Tendinitis Treatment Actions
• Anti-Rheumatics often help
• Anti-Inflammatories (such as Salix) provide the primary action needed for symptomatic relief.
• Anti-Spasmodics (such as Cramp Bark) ease local muscle tension.
• Circulatory stimidants and Rubefacients contribute by increasing local blood circulation.
• Analgesics may help with pain.
Prescription for Tendinitis
• Willow (2 parts)
• Cramp Bark (2 parts)
• Celery Seeds (2 parts)
• Prickly Ash (1 part)
Dosage: – Upto 5 ml of tincture three times a day
An Anti-spasmodic Rub
• Lobelia (1 part)
• Cramp Bark (1 part)
• Rub tincture mixture into painful muscles as needed
Actions Supplied by Prescription for Tendinitis
• Salicylate Anti-Inflammatory (Willow)
• General Anti-Inflammatory (Celery Seeds)
• Anti-Spasmodic (Lobelia, Cramp Bark, Celery Seeds)
• Circulatory Stimulant (Prickly Ash)
Diet for Tendinitis (Tendontis)
• Eat more Alkaline Foods such as:
• Vegetables (especially dark green ones),
• • Vegetable Oils,
• Whole Grains (Brown Rice, Millet, Buckwheat, Kamut Khorasan Wheat, Spelt, Oats, etc.),
• Beans,
• Dried Fruits (Figs and Raisins),
• • Seeds (Pumpkin, Sunflower and Sesame),
• Fruits (such as golden delicious Apples, Pineapple, Papaya, Mango, Guava, Blueberries, Blackberries and Cherries),
• Fatty Fish (such as Herring, Mackerel Fish, Salmon Fish, Tuna Fish and Sardines),
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids derived from plants,
• Water (it carries acids from joints to the kidneys to be eliminated)
• Bromelain – Its an enzyme that comes from Pineapples and reduces inflammation.
• Turmeric is sometimes combined with bromelain, because it makes the effects of bromelain stronger.
• Vitamin C – Taking Vitamin C aids in healing by increasing the immune function. Vitamin C also aids in reducing inflammation. Those who have auto immune disease should avoid Vitamin C in medicinal doses (250 – 500 mg two times a day).
• Calcium – Taking Calcium (1,500 mg a day) can aid healing of connective tissues and muscles.
• Magnesium – Taking Magnesium (750 mg a day) can aid healing of connective tissues and muscles.
• Vitamin A – Taking Vitamin A (15,000 IU a day) for immune function and healing.
• Vitamin E – Taking Vitamin E (400 – 800 mg a day) reduces inflammation. Vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Essential Fatty Acids – Taking essential fatty acids (such as fish oil) reduces inflammation. Fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Evening Primrose – Taking Evening Primrose oil (1,000 – 1,500 IU one to three times a day) reduce inflammation. Evening Primrose oil may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Glucosamine – It can help to improve and restore damaged cartilage and tissues, with little/no side effects.
• Reduce the consumption of acidic foods such as Red Meat, fermented foods.
Food Remedies for Tendons/Tenditis/Tendinitis (Tendontis)
Baobab Fruit
Bath Sponge
Bilberries
Black Pepper Essential Oil
Breadfruit
Chanterelle Mushroom
Fo Ti
Gherkin
Ginger
Hazelnut Oil
Lentil Sprouts
Licorice
Lysine
Mombin
Nectarine
Buckthorn
Proline
Slippery Cabbage
Silica
Tangerine
• Baobab Fruit – Baobab is rich in anti-oxidants which is essential for protecting, repairing and preventing cell damage. It contain Vitamin C which supports Collagen formation, contributing to healthy Skin, teeth, Gums, cartilage, Bones and blood vessels, and Calcium that can help maintain heart rhythm, muscle function, supports healthy Bones and teeth, maintains regular muscle contractions, and blood clotting.
• Bath Sponge – It can help prevent muscle pain as its Potassium content balances the fluid levels, helps to relax muscles and assists in the breakdown of Protein and Carbohydrates on which the muscle depends for the repair and Energy. Its Copper (a mineral found in Bath Sponge) provides Anti-Inflammatory properties which can help prevent muscle pain as its Potassium content balances the fluid levels, helps to relax muscles and assists in the breakdown of Protein and Carbohydrates on which the muscle depends for the repair and Energy.
• Bilberries – Bilberry fruit has anti-oxidant action protective against tissue damage (it may prevent Cataract formation) and to promote tissue healing in the gastrointestinal tract or in rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis.
• Black Pepper Essential Oil – Black Pepper Essential Oil (due to its piperine) has analgesic (pain relieving) and Anti-Inflammatory activity, which is beneficial to the muscles and significantly improves both movement and pain tolerance. Piperine improves the structure of the Tendon (such as in Achilles Tendon injuries), increases glycosaminoglycans (a type of Carbohydrate that assists in the maintenance and support of Collagen) and Hydroxyproline (a major component of Collagen), and also induces genetic changes that assisted with Tendon repair.
• Breadfruit – Its a source of high-quality providing all essential Amino Acids which is known to build muscles, organs, Tendons, etc. and perform a variety of other life-sustaining functions within our body.
• Chanterelle Mushroom – Protein rich foods like Chanterelle Mushroom helps to improve muscle mass as sufficient amount of Protein is essential to build and maintain healthy muscle mass, while also supporting ligaments, Tendon and other body tissue.
• Gherkin – Gherkin is good for our muscle health due to its Silica content which is very important for our body as it keeps our muscles strong, repairs the connectivity tissues, Tendons and ligaments. It helps in the effective functioning of all types of connective tissues, including Tendons, ligaments and muscles.
• Ginger – Its an Anti-Inflammatory and pain relieving herb, working by slowing the production of the inflammatory compounds prostaglandin and leukotriene. It also helps to block the transmission of pain signals. It can be taken as a pill, or used as an Essential Oil in a carrier oil. Ginger brings warmth to the area.
• Hazelnut Oil – Its Vitamin E content keeps the Foods & Musculoskeletal System healthy by protecting the myelin Sheath (a Nervous System and a layer surrounding the axon [the tail] of a neuron [nerve cell]).
• Lentil Sprouts – Sprouted Lentils contain Copper which keeps connective tissues healthy, promotes nerve communication and allows for the production of ATP (a source of fuel for cells). Its Protein Collagen is necessary for the production of blood vessels, cartilage, ligaments, Skin and Tendons as well as for the repair and maintenance of teeth and Bones.
• Licorice – It reduces inflammation, but people with High Blood Pressure, Edema (Dropsy), or Heart Failure; Hormone-sensitive Cancers such as breast, Prostate, ovarian, or uterine Cancer; Diabetes; kidney disease; Liver disease should avoid it as it interacts with a number of medications.
• Lysine – Lysine plays major roles in Protein synthesis, Hormone and enzyme production, Calcium absorption, and the formation of Collagen (a substance necessary for both Bones and connective tissues like Skin, cartilage, and Tendon) and aids in recovering from surgery.
• Mombin – Mombin fruit Vitamin C content gives support to Immune System, helps with the production of Collagen, keeping Skin, ligaments, Tendons and cartilage healthy. An infused leaves oil is also beneficial and used as a local massage to reduce muscular and rheumatic pains of the joints.
• Nectarine – Its Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) helps to produce Collagen (a structural Protein that helps to hold the tissue together and promotes healing after an injury), boosts immunity and helps to fight Infections, repair cartilage and Bones and also makes up part of a Protein responsible for producing Skin, scars, tissue, Tendons and ligament.
• Proline – Amino Acids (such as Proline) is beneficial in it is response to the creation of Collagen as it forms part of Collagen component, thus vital for proper functioning of joints and Tendons.
• Buckthorn – Its extracts can improve the recovery of Tendon injuries by promoting better Fiber alignment and Protein growth which contributes to the overall structure of the muscle.
• Silica – Orthosilicic acid which is the Silicon dioxide form predominantly absorbed by humans is found in numerous tissues (such as Bone, Tendons, aorta, Liver and kidney).
• Slippery Cabbage – Sulphur (found in Slippery Cabbage) is also needed for the Protein keratin, important for Bone, cartilage and Tendons. The abelmoschus manihot bark juice helps to lessen the swelling and muscle sores. Abelmoschus manihot Protein is important in forming muscle, cell membranes, enzymes, blood components (including hemoglobin, albumin, and transferrin), antibodies, DNA and RNA. Sulphur (found in Slippery Cabbage) is also needed for the Protein keratin, important for Bone, cartilage and Tendons.
• Tangerine – Mandarins contain high Vitamin C which stimulates the production of Collagen (a structural Protein which ensures the integrity of our Skin, cartilage, ligaments, Tendons, muscles, blood vessels, teeth and Bones and ensures their structure) and accelerates Wound healing.
Herbal Remedies for Tendons/Tenditis/Tendinitis (Tendontis)
Arnica
Frankincense
Cat’s Claw
Chaparral
Comfrey
Devils Claw
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucommia Bark
Griffonia
Ji Xue Teng
Morinda
Mullein
Poison Ivy
Pokeweed
Rhododendron
Solomons Seal
Spanish Jasmine
Star Grass
Stink Weed
St.John’s wort
Taro Leaves
Teasel
White Bryony
White Willow
• Arnica – Its oil, ointment, or gel is externally very useful in treating pain and swelling of joints and other tissues. Arnica is often combined with other herbs (such as St.John’s wort, Willow, Comfrey, etc.) for best results. Arnica cream can be used by itself (or in combination with Calendula officinalis, Hamamelis virginiana, Aconitum napellus, and Belladonna), then applied 3-6 times a day, speeding-up healing and reducing discomfort. For acute (sudden) injuries, always start with Arnica.
• Frankincense – Its a herb used as an Anti-Inflammatory (similar to conventional non-Steroidal, anti inflammatory drugs), where its boswellic acids possess anti inflammatory response characteristics. To make a massage oil, blend 20-30 drops into 4 ounces of a carrier oil. Frankincense is normally mixed with other Essential Oils for best results.
• Cat’s Claw – Its useful for the treatment of the pain associated with Tendinitis (when taken for short term use, as longer use can cause Dizziness, Headaches and Vomiting).
• Chaparral – It is helpful in tissue engineering at building a framework for cells that won’t harm the cells in organs and tissues (such as Skin, Tendons, heart valves, and Bones) as they develop and grow. Its nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) content can help stabilize other Materials used for repairing Tendons after the Tendons are ruptured, torn, or cut.
• Comfrey – Its used externally because of its high allantoin content that can help repair damaged tissues.
• Devils Claw – It externally relieves pain, but may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin). It can interact with Diabetes medications and other drugs.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Eucalyptus Essential Oil is analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory, thus people experiencing muscle pain or soreness (from rheumatism, Lumbago, Sprained ligaments and Tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis, and even nerve pain) can massage the affected areas in a circular motion with the oil to helps relieve Stress and pain.
• Eucommia Bark – Eucommia Bark is beneficial for back and Joint Pain (especially in the hips and knees) and also to strengthen Bones, Tendons and ligaments. It helps heal tissue that is slow to mend after an injury (or one weakened through Stress).
• Fo Ti – Fo Ti tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside and emodin can decrease inflammation and beneficial to the muscles, Tendons, ligaments and Bones.
• Griffonia – Griffonia decreases the pain associated with Fibromyalgia when used in association goji. 5-HTP may help with Fibromyalgia (a chronic condition characterized by fatigue, widespread pain in the muscles, ligaments, and Tendons, and multiple tender points), where after 4 weeks, there is improvement in pain, Stiffness, Anxiety, fatigue, and sleep.
• Ji Xue Teng – Ji Xue Teng activates the channels (spleen, Liver, heart), activates the collaterals (dispels stasis from the channels and collaterals) and relaxes the Tendons/sinews, thus indicated for Musculoskeletal System conditions such as numbness of the extremities, lower Back Pain, knee pain or general soreness of the joints (due to wind-damp bi with either blood deficiency or stasis), weak extremities in the Elderly, and paralysis & Vertigo (due to blood stasis or wind-Stroke).
• Morinda – Morinda juice hastens healing process and slows down blood sugar level by strengthening Collagen (a crucial component of connective tissues responsible for healing). High glucose level results in poor blood circulation reducing the speed of repairing tissue.
• Mullein – Mullein leaves, flowers and roots are used medicinally for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. It can calm Bursitis (a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae) that cushion the Bones, Tendons and muscles near the joints such as shoulder, elbow and hip).
• Poison Ivy – It externally reduces inflammation and pains that is worse in the morning.
• Pokeweed – Its shoots (the young immature leaves), leaves and roots have Anti-Inflammatory properties, thus externally reduces inflammation and pains where the pain is focused at the insertion of the Tendons and feels worse with heat. Its Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 is also essential for normal growth, cellular repair and quick Wound healing.
• Rhododendron – It externally reduces inflammation and pains that gets worse with barometric changes.
• Solomons Seal – Solomons Seal acts as an Anti-Inflammatory (reduces the inflammation). Its root is great for joint problems (repairing cartilage, Tendons, and ligaments, tightens loose joints, and encourages the production of joint fluid). It consists of allantoin (a wonderful and great Anti-Inflammatory agent which has been used in modern Anti-Inflammatory lotions), helping with irritation, redness, swelling, and pain in every part of the body. Its root is great for joint problems (repairing cartilage, Tendons, and ligaments, tightens loose joints, and encourages the production of joint fluid). It consists of allantoin (a wonderful and great Anti-Inflammatory agent which has been used in modern Anti-Inflammatory lotions), helping with irritation, redness, swelling, and pain in every part of the body.
• Spanish Jasmine – Spanish Jasmine Essential Oil has bitter, Astringent, cool, light and dry properties that act on the Bone, plasma and nerve tissues through the circulatory, nervous and Reproductive channels. Its flowers possess potential Wound healing properties, possibly due to the presence of protease (one of the key enzyme for Wound healing).
• Star Grass – Star Grass may help relieve Tendon pain, joint and muscle pain (rheumatism), muscle spasms, fluid retention, and infertility.
• Stink Weed – Stink Weed freshly chopped leaves have a beneficial effect on tumors and inflammation of the muscles and Tendons.
• St.John’s wort – Its effective in two (2) ways. Externally it can help as a massage oil, but internally, it can help ease tension.
• Taro Leaves – Taro Leaves contain Manganese (an essential mineral important for keeping proper functioning of the body organs such as building of Bones, and connective tissues. Copper optimizes/supports the activity of the Thyroid Gland, helps preserve the myelin Sheath that surrounds and protects the nerves, ensures proper use of Iron and participates in connective tissue formation enzymatic reactions.
• Teasel – Teasel is useful as a therapeutic agent for human Arthritis treatment, since it has Anti-Inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Teasel root treats Osteoporosis and osteopenia, since it has the affinity for assisting structural repair (especially of connective tissue and Bone), increasing circulation and aiding in building strong Tendons and Bones.
• White Bryony – It externally reduces inflammation and pains that are worse with the slightest motion or when jarred. The pain feels worse with cold and better with heat.
• White Willow – Its bark is used to treat the pain (like nature’s aspirin). White Willow (mother nature’s aspirin, but with less side-effects) is good against pain, Fever, and inflammation. Its salicylate Glycosides (active compounds) work as an effective Anti-Inflammatory by interfering with pain transmission in the Nervous System and treating the cause of inflammation. Willow Bark’s salicylate Glycosides (active compounds) work as an effective Anti-Inflammatory by interfering with pain transmission in the Nervous System and treating the cause of inflammation. A combination of salicin, Polyphenols and Flavonoids (powerful Anti-Inflammatory Plant Compounds) is thought to be responsible for the pain-relieving and Anti-Inflammatory effects of the herb.
